Bullying at Workplace: Understand, Combat, and Build a Healthy Work Culture

Workplace bullying might seem like something out of a schoolyard playbook to some of you, but trust me, it's as real in the office as it is in any school or college. Picture this, our work life - it's like a whirlwind, isn't it? Fast, demanding, and incessantly pushing us to our limits. This environment seems to be the perfect breeding ground for workplace bullying, exacerbating an issue that often goes under the radar. It's high time we start treating this like the serious problem it is. So, let's talk through what it's like and how to stand up to it at the workplace. Remember, there's no mom or dad swooping in to save the day here. It's time to put on your big-boy and big-girl pants and take charge.

"You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them."

Now, bullying can rear its ugly head in several forms in the workplace. You've got verbal abuse - think yelling, swearing, snide comments, and constant, unwarranted criticism. Imagine the bully, hurling language that's meant to belittle, intimidate or offend. It's not a pretty sight, is it?

There's also social alienation. The bully could turn into this social gatekeeper, excluding a colleague from social activities, meetings, or even essential email threads. And don't even get me started on gossip or rumors - they can spread like wildfire, charring reputations in their wake.

And there's the professional sabotage - a bully might try to pull the rug out from under an individual's work. This can range from withholding vital information, setting impossible deadlines, piling on unnecessary work, or even stealing credit for their work.

Then there's intimidation. We're talking overt threats or subtle power plays. Picture a bully using their position, influence, or even physical size to scare others. Then, there are personal attacks, where a bully could make fun of a person's appearance, lifestyle, family, or personal life - all meant to belittle or embarrass.

And bullies, like the monsters under your bed, come in all shapes and sizes. There's the Constant Critic, always finding faults and undermining work. You've got the Two-Headed Snake, all smiles in person but ready to stab you in the back the moment you turn around. Then there's the Gatekeeper, holding all the cards (read: resources) and using them to manipulate or undermine others.

But how do you know if someone's a victim of bullying? Well, they might struggle with their performance, often call in sick, or avoid workplace events. Signs of stress, anxiety, or depression, such as frequent mood swings, irritability, or a lack of energy, could surface. They may become unusually self-critical or express feelings of worthlessness. They might even complain of headaches, sleep problems, or other physical issues related to stress. And in many cases, they may become withdrawn or avoid social interactions with colleagues.

You might wonder, "Does this really happen?" Believe it or not, the answer is yes. Let's talk about Uber. You remember the infamous case, right? Susan Fowler, a former employee, blew the whistle on a culture of sexual harassment and bullying that thrived there. Not a shining moment for corporate culture, if you ask me.

And then there's the notorious "Culture of Fear" report on Amazon's working conditions. The New York Times, back in 2015, unveiled a culture of constant pressure and unreasonable expectations. It's an environment that often morphs into outright bullying.

So how do we combat this menace? Start with self-protection. Understand the importance of self-care, which includes maintaining physical health, seeking psychological support, and nurturing social connections outside of work. You might want to document incidents, set boundaries, and develop stress management techniques as well. Rallying organizational support is crucial, too - report bullying to your supervisors or HR and do it in a structured manner with sufficient evidence. And if the organization has an anti-bullying policy, don't hesitate to bring it up.

Then there's taking a stand. Now, this isn't for everyone, but sometimes the bully might not realize the impact of their actions. If you're up for it, consider confronting them directly but calmly, explaining how their actions are affecting you and asking them to stop. But always prioritize your safety. If it's likely to escalate the situation, best to avoid it. And if all else fails, it might be time to move on and find a place where you can thrive without hurting your health.

If you want to build a ship, don't drum up the people to gather wood, divide the work, and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea.

Closing this off on a hopeful note, remember that a fast-paced, high-demand workplace doesn't automatically mean bullying is part and parcel of it. Take Netflix, for example. Their culture deck emphasizes respect, freedom, and responsibility, despite having a demanding, high-performance environment. And it's paid off with high employee satisfaction ratings and substantial success. So let's not take workplace bullying as the norm. It's about time we take a stand to foster healthier, respectful cultures in our workplaces.

** All thoughts expressed here are mine and has no affiliation/representation of my current of previous employers.

References:

1. Kantor, J., & Streitfeld, D. (2015). Inside Amazon: Wrestling Big Ideas in a Bruising Workplace. The New York Times.
2. Fowler, S. (2017). Reflecting On One Very, Very Strange Year At Uber.
3. Netflix. (2009). Netflix Culture: Freedom & Responsibility.